Rookie Leagues Dish: McGeary Throws Gem

GCL Nationals starter Jack McGeary had the best start of his professional career yesterday against the GCL Marlins. McGeary, a 6-foot-3 lefthander, threw seven innings, giving up just two hits and one run. He didn’t walk a batter and struck out 10, but didn’t get a decision for the effort. McGeary was a sixth-round pick last year and the Nationals ponied up $1.8 million to sign him away from a commitment to Stanford. Over his first full professional season, he’s 1-2 with a 4.58 ERA. He’s thrown 53 innings, given up 56 hits, walked 12 and struck out 56.

Prospect Nuggets

Ogden third baseman Pedro Baez (Dodgers) went 3-for-3 with his ninth home run of the season, bringing his season line to .270/.322/.490. . . Ogden lefthander Cole St. Clair (Dodgers) pitched two innings for his third save of the season. He only gave up one hit, but it was a home run. . . Great Falls righthander Dexter Carter (White Sox), a 6-foot-6 righty out of Old Dominion, pitched four innings and gave up seven hits and three earned runs, but also struck out six. Carter was the White Sox’ 13th-round selection in this year’s draft. . . AZL Rangers righthander Kyle O’Campo struck out seven over five innings, giving up four hits, one walk and one run for the win. The 6-foot-3, 19-year-old is now 3-0 on the season and lowered his ERA to 3.20. . . AZL Cubs second baseman Vincent Watkins went 4-for-6 with a double, a run scored and a run driven in. The Cubs drafted Watkins in the 21st round of this year’s draft and paid him $500,000 to play pro ball instead of attending Wichita State. Watkins hasn’t hit for a lot of power, but his contact and on-base skills have been on display this season as he’s hit .294/.456/.333. . . GCL Marlins center fielder Issac Galloway went 2-for-4 with a stolen base. . . GCL Nationals shortstop Esmailyn Gonzalez also went 2-for-4 with a stolen base. The 18-year-old switch-hitter is now hitting .344/.423/.481 on the season. . . GCL Red Sox shortstop Casey Kelly went 1-for-4 with a double. . . GCL Orioles righthander Justin Moore gave up three runs over 5 1/3 innings, but struck out nine in the process.

What To Watch For Today

The Pioneer League’s Orem Owlz (Angels) look to extend their 14-game win streak as they begin a three-game series tonight against Missoula (Diamondbacks).